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Shop Small, Support Big

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Kim Bode talks about small businesses in the 8THIRTYFOUR office

Support your community this Saturday, November 24th, by shopping small for Small Business Saturday.
The team at 8THIRTYFOUR has taken all the work out of Small Business Saturday by highlighting some of our favorite businesses to get you ready to shop small. Be sure to watch the video and see each team member’s favorite small biz.

The Paper Studio

Ya’ll know we love handwritten notes, and The Paper Studio on Monroe Center just gets us. Stop in and pick up cards, stationery, notebooks, art, or sign up for one of their amazing classes.
On Small Business Saturday, they will giving away a product with every $40 purchase, offering holiday cards at a discount, and collaborating with neighboring retailers on Monroe Center for additional goodies.

Rustic City Living

If you have ever been to the 8THIRTYFOUR office, chances are you’ve seen our amazing wall featuring reclaimed wood, built by our friends at Rustic City Living.
Get to know these amazing best friends who specialize in farmhouse chic with custom woodworking solutions, signage, art, and more. Their retail location off of Plainfield is chock full of goodies and they will be paying the sales tax on all orders and gift wrap it to boot!

Schuil Coffee Co.

Did you really think we would have a list that didn’t include coffee? You are going to need that caffeine to fuel all your shopping on Small Business Saturday, so stop in and grab a latte, holiday blend, tea, or some sweet gear.
If you spend $40, you’ll even get a free tote to carry all of your goodies on Saturday.

Rebel Reclaimed

Avoid this adorable boutique at all costs if you are on a budget, it is impossible to not spend money buying unique and sassy gifts. They have everything from jewelry to books to cards to art to home decor – if you want to be the most popular person at a holiday party, then visit Eastown and stock up.
On November 24th 10% of all sales will be donated to Grand Rapids Pride Center, because they are just that wonderful.
 
These are just a few of the many fabulous retailers in our fair city, be sure to check out the likes of Gina’s Boutique, Kula Yoga, Books & Mortar and more.
What are your favorite local shops? Be sure to tag them and use the hashtags #shopsmall #smallbusinesssaturday to spread the small movement.

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Recent Musings

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FUN FACT FRIDAY: It’s only fitting for us to own a building where a trailblazing female operated her businesses in 1906. The Phillips family represented one of the longest-running retail tenures in Grand Rapids history; L.E. Phillips Jewelry in the 1365 Plainfield Ave. building from 1906 until 1973. 
Dr. Eva Phillips, a certified and licensed optometrist ran her practice out of the jewelry store’s secondary parlor and was an equal partner in the jewelry store. 

Together, they offered a unique one-stop shot which expanded to include appliances, record players, and more. The couple operated the shop through two World Wars and the Great Depression, acting as the neighborhood matriarch and patriarch. 

@crestongr @crestoncorridor @crestongrandrapids @citygrandrapids @grandrapidspubliclibrary
Have you tuned into The Happy Hour Hustle Podcast yet?
If not, a) you’re missing out and b) you need to follow immediately. Hosted by @bodespeaks, episodes drop every other week, and feature some pretty bada$$ guests if we do say so ourselves.

This week, Kim sits down with @kelsey_orchard , VP of Marketing and Communications at @fifthwheelfreight to chat building a personal brand, Gen Z entering the workforce, misconceptions about logistics, spotting fake LinkedIn profiles – oh and why your GPA doesn’t matter anymore.

Grab a watermelon margarita, sit back and enjoy for lots of laughs and real talk.

Listen now at the link in bio.
National Perimenopause Month starts today. We have a LOT to say, and we’re not going to be quiet about it, especially this month, so buckle up.

We were not prepared for perimenopause, much like our periods, sex, or anything else to do with our bodies. God forbid we talk about it openly.

We were taught to be ashamed, keep quiet, and to accept that it is just part of being a woman. We reject that narrative. In fact, like @bodespeaks, we want to bring it up in every conversation. 

When we normalize perimenopause and the conversation around it, we stop isolating, and we’re all more prepared.
Join us for Uncomfortable Conversations: The Pause on September 24th — a powerful conversation hosted alongside the @smallbusinessassocofmichigan 
Women’s Business Council, featuring some kicka$$ experts who will give you the real talk on perimenopause (more to come on them later).

Register at the link in bio.
You asked, we delivered.

Introducing the Women's Owners Network - a new program built for what comes first, joining our proven Fellowship model to support Michigan women at every stage of business ownership.

Whether you've got a team of 10 or it's just you and your laptop, you deserve a room full of women who get it.

Six months of leadership, finance, operations, capital access, paired with real support for the isolation, emotional volatility, and decision fatigue that come with owning your own business.

You'll have your own board of directors in your corner, including @bodespeaks plus a group of mentors, instructors, and coaches who've been exactly where you are.

Applications due October 1. Apply now at the link in bio.
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